The Dancing with the Shuswap Stars fundraiser waltzed and tangoed a little closer to reality last week when dancers, instructors, judges, the MC and organizers got together for a meet-and-greet at the Elks’ Hall.
It was the first time that single competitors met their partners – all of whom are instructors at City Dance Okanagan out of Vernon, although they have recently started a satellite dance studio in Salmon Arm. The dancers competing as couples found out which instructor would be providing them with personal dance lessons. All competitors learned what dance they would be performing.
As a warm-up for the Nov. 18 event all of the dancers enjoyed doing some basic salsa, cha cha and jive moves. For some of them it was the first time doing any kind of dancing since high school.
“My dancing experience for the last 20 years has pretty much been limited to the YMCA and the Hokey Pokey, so this is going to be a huge challenge.” said Tracy Hughes, editor of the Salmon Arm Observer who will be dancing a cha cha alongside professional instructor Orlando Robertson.
“It was fine, the dance lesson was pretty easy, I’m looking forward to what happens in the fall,” said Peter Grainger who will be dancing a tango with his wife Jaci Metivier.
What the dancers lacked in experience they made up for in enthusiasm as they learned some basic moves.
“The contestants seem to be a very fun bunch; we are excited to get started with them all,” said Heather Stranks, one of the instructors.
Funds raised will go to the Larch Hills Ski Club’s drive to raise the money needed to triple the size of its 33-year-old chalet.
“I’m excited for the event – I think it’ll be great based on the planning that they’ve done and the people they’ve involved,” said Steve Fabro who will act as the MC for the event.
The Nov. 18 event will be an evening of fun and laughter, with many opportunities for the audience to hit the dance floor to the rocking rhythms of the seven-person band, The Deadbeats.
And the contestants are...
Couples category:
Ian & Kaitie Gray, Owners, Salmon Arm GM
Alan & Debbie Harrison ~ Jive – Councillor, school principal and school secretary
Marcia & Jim Beckner ~ Lindy Hop – Skiers, cyclists and retired optometrist
Steve Genn & Leah Shaw ~ Disco – CBC Correspondent and Proair owner
Peter Grainger & Jaci Metivier ~ Tango – Massage therapist, Pilates instructor
Pro-Am category
Nancy Cooper & Jens Goerner ~ Slow Waltz – Mayor
Ruth Brighouse & Nicolas Faucher ~ Rhumba – Doctor
Stephen Hiscock & Ingalise Abbott ~ Quick Step – Surgeon, actor
Tracy Hughes & Orlando Robertson ~ Cha Cha – SA Observer Editor
John Thielman and Simone Goerner ~ Salsa – John’s Ski Shack, coach
Rich Daniels and Heather Stranks – Radio announcer